Meet Shonda Berry | Entrepreneur & Purpose + Positivity Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shonda Berry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shonda, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
Yes, I do have a favorite quote. My favorite quote is “Life Isn’t Tied With A Bow, But It’s Still A Gift.” It means that there will always be challenges, obstacles, roadblocks, etc. during your life, but life still can be precious and fulfilling. The quote reminds me that no matter what I’m going through I can always overcome it.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a Mother, Entrepreneur, Purpose & Positivity Coach, IBD Mentor, Patient Advocate and Ulcerative Colitis Warrior, born and raised on the Westside of Chicago. I specialize in helping women that desire to be entrepreneurs find their purpose by moving beyond distractions, negativity, and self-limitations. I am the owner of BIYOND Apparel. BIYOND stands for Boldly Inspire Yourself Over Negativity Daily. The mission of BIYOND is to enforce the importance of maintaining a positive outlook on life’s circumstances in a negative society by inspiring women with bold statements of self-affirmations, motivation, and positivity.

Since 1994, I’ve battled with a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease called Ulcerative Colitis, but was officially diagnosed in 2004 at the age of 24 after giving birth to my daughter Da’Riah. The health challenges I’ve faced have awakened the advocate nature within me. I’m passionate about IBD Awareness and Health Equity. This has led me to Patient Advocacy and mentoring individuals that suffer from Crohn’s Disease & Ulcerative Colitis.

I got where I am today by never giving up on the vision God gave me. I’ve encountered so many obstacles, but I still managed to overcome them. I also invested in a coach who helps me tremendously. My coach understands my goals and helps me create strategies to accomplish those goals, in addition to holding me accountable.

I’ve learned along the way that it’s imperative to remain positive because negative energy will interfere with living a life full of purpose. The goal is to manifest a life full of purpose, happiness, and everything you desire. Ignore and avoid anyone and anything that will distract you from your purposeful path. Besides, negativity is not good for your health and well being. Go “BIYOND” and “Boldly Inspire Yourself Over Negativity Daily.”

I’ve also learned to always do what feels right. You won’t have any regrets because you’re operating from a place of love and good intentions. You can’t afford to miss any blessings or sleep when you’re trying to live the life you desire. Please understand that God rewards this type of behavior because it’s a part of being obedient.

Lastly, I‘ve learned to amplify your voice. Amplify your voice because there isn’t a person in the world that can tell your story like you. There are people in the world that need you to be your authentic self. God can’t get his message across without you. God can and will use your journey to achieve a purpose that is greater than you could imagine if you allow him. Amplifying your voice is a part of serving. You MUST be able to serve if your goal is to live a purposeful life.

I want the world to know that my brand and story is just not about me. It’s about every woman striving for more, feeling the pressures of life, possibly battling a chronic illness, tired of a mediocre lifestyle and/or raising her children with minimum support, but still by the Grace of God making it happen for her family because quitting is not an option.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting the area we are definitely going to visit Punch Bowl Social Chicago. It’s so much fun: good music, good food and a great atmosphere. Downtown Chicago is the best. Chicago has some of the best food ever, so any restaurant we visit will be great. “Summertime Chi”is the best because of the festivals, beach and rooftop parties. Navy Pier, Millennium Park and the Museums are just absolutely fabulous and all top places tourists visit. The Willis Tower is a must see also because you can get a view of the city from the top floor.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yes, absolutely! I want to give a loud enormous shoutout to my daughter Da’Riah, my greatest accomplishment. She deserves more than a little credit, she deserves the world. She has witnessed me go through so many challenges, particularly with my health. She became a care partner to me at such a young age. She also has helped me with my business in numerous ways. She has always been such an amazing child and I’m very proud of the young lady she has become. I could never tell my story without including her. Da’Riah is such a pivotal part of my journey.

Website: www.biyond.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shonda_berry/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/chroniclyillqt

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shonda01/

Other: https://linktr.ee/shondaberry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biyond_/?hl=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chronicillnesscutie/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biyondclothing Twitter: https://twitter.com/Biyondpreneur

Image Credits
Blissful Dreams Photography, Carl Ankrum and Charles Gipson